Winter interest
When we think about planning a landscape, our thoughts tend to go first to how the landscape will look in spring and summer, and perhaps fall. But with some planning, there is no reason that your landscape can’t look fantastic in the winter as well! While many of your plantings sleep, here are some elements that can shine in your winter landscape. Evergreen trees and shrubs are the obvious choice for a winter landscape, and it is important to make sure evergreens are well represented and balanced through a site. Many deciduous shrubs and trees have beautiful berries that can last well into or even through winter. Specimen trees or large shrubs can serve as sculpture in the winter garden, as the lack of leaves allows you to see their beautiful branching structure. Natural stone accents are always beautiful, and can be especially striking in combination with snow. Ornamental grasses, which typically show their peak form in late summer and fall, can continue to provide graceful accents well into the winter. Positioning many of these elements together can create beautiful winter compositions. As you plan your next landscaping improvement, winter interest may be something you want to add to your wish list!